Years ago, our single adult ministry played an epic game of “Capture the Flag” late at night in a building that was under construction. The enormous unfinished building provided many places to hide and the air was thick with excitement as the players tried to sneak around, going up and down stairs and slipping through the large auditorium.
It was striking how difficult it was to play the game in near total darkness. Every step was measured and slow. Hallways that could be sprinted through during the day were painfully navigated with outstretched hands and careful footsteps.
At the end of the seemingly endless game, our group reflected on the reality that light makes an enormous difference in the ways that we move each day. This is true in the physical realm, and even more significant in the spiritual environment. The Psalmist writes that God’s Word is the light that we need on our path. According to Psalm 119:105, Scripture “is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
It is interesting to note that the Psalmist did not say that this light would flood the room, or that everything would suddenly become clear. Instead, there are two indications that the light only shows what we need to see for the next few steps: “A lamp for my feet” and “a light on my path.” If you have walked through a dark forest at night with a handheld lamp or torch, you know that it is usually just enough light for the next step…
No matter what your path looks like this week, God’s Word is able to help illumine the way. Biblical principles, insights and perspectives all work together to bring true light to bear on any life situation. As John Calvin noted, when we look at life through the spectacles of Scripture and the Holy Spirit, like two supernatural lenses, we see things from God’s viewpoint—and that makes all the difference!
(Hope Haven Rwanda would like to especially thank the Peterson Air Force Base Chapel Community for their recent donation of 140 English Bibles. Thanks for passing on the gift of light!)